by Brother Alexander Powell
The dictionary defines forgive: to regard without ill will despite an offense. What it is saying to us is regardless of the attack; how he/she hurt you or whoever has done you wrong we should forgive them of their wrong doing. I know many of us say “it is hard to forgive those that have hurt us or are still doing wrong towards us. Some of us even feel, if we forgive them that is supposed to benefit them and they’ll just keep doing us wrong which might be the case according to their actions. Well I am here to tell you, you reap the benefits when you forgive those who have mistreated you, have done bad things to hurt you or your family.
Forgiving them is a spiritual blessing for you. Your spirit is able to make peace with them and the hurt go away with them. Even though our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was badly beaten, fleshed torn off by a cat of nine tails, a thorn crown forced on his head, nailed to the cross, and pierced in his sides, He pleaded to God the Father saying “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. (Luke 23:34b) In order for us to get our lives right with God, we must repent of our sins, including ones others; ask God for forgiveness. In Acts 26:18 God is speaking to Saul also known as Paul saying, “open their eyes, in order to turn them from the darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” God also says but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation”— because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.”(Mark 3:29-30) Acts 5:31 reads Him God has exalted to his right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and Forgiveness of sins. Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39) So what these verses say to me is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Prince who sits at God’s right hand, will forgive me of all my sins if I just believe in Him and ask for it. I cleansed through him.
I know from experience how some others feel inside when they’re hurt and it’s hard to trust anyone; we want to seclude ourselves because the hurt. Sometimes we feel like nobody knows or cares anything about what we’re going through. God knows all and everything about us from our goings and comings, our down-sitting and uprising. Without Jesus Christ there is no afterlife. If we don’t believe in him and trust that he will help us and forgive us of our wrongs; don’t forgive those who hurt us or our family our spirit will never be free. We will not be cleansed to receive the inheritance and bountiful blessings God has in store for us on earth and in His kingdom.
So I say to you forgive everyone no matter how you feel or what they have done. It will make your life better. You will have a more perfect peace, joy unspeakable and happiness within yourself. You can also feel the love of God that is promised to you. Believe in him and know you don’t have to be lost. To God Be the Glory. 
Tags: Bro. Alexander Powell, Forgiveness, HTC Men's Ministry, Pastor Eddie B Pruitte Jr, Word of the Month
